Dr Penguang urges rural folk to make use of JKKK to settle their problems

MIRI: Rural folk are advised to make full use of their village security and development committee (JKKK) as a platform in dealing with matters concerning issues such as their NCR land.

Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said this would help to avoid any complications between their associations and the JKKK, and to ensure that the welfare and interests of the residents were attended to.

Penguang said this during a dialogue session with headmen of four longhouses at Sungai Buri in Bakong near here. The dialogue session held a Penguang’s service centre in Beluru was attended by TR Peter Sujar, TR Nora Ree, TR Kam Pasu and TR Gasah Tadong. Members of Sungai Buri Residents Association, Pemanca Enggah Nuga, Penghulu Buan Gelunggan and Marudi District Council ( MDC) chairman Cr Edward Mendai also came.

The dialogue was aimed at finding solution to a dispute between the four longhouses over their lands, which have been gazetted and developed some 20 years ago.

Penguang advised the four headmen to use their wisdom and negotiate with the plantation owner to achieve a win-win situation.

“You can even ask for CSR services from the developer,” he added.

He also urged the villagers to work together in solving whatever problems they have to further develop their areas.

“Forget what happened in the past. Have a meeting and come to an agreement. Settle this land issue among yourselves as well as with the plantation company.

“Do not relate such issue to politics, which can lead to conflicts. Focus on things that really matter in your life,” he added.

He also reminded them not to air their grievances in the newspapers and social media as it would make things worse.

At the dialogue, Penguang also revealed his plan to set up an NCR land committee for his constituency.